Kings depart, golfing remains

Posted: Friday, July 31, 2009

By Bird Homestead Golf Report

Another July is rapidly coming to a close. It is always hard saying our goodbyes to the kings that "got away," just think of the stories they have left behind for time around the fireplace this coming winter! OK! Now it's time to concentrate on some GOOD Golf! Which I may add also creates some great stories, so come on out and fulfill your spot in the history books.

Hello and welcome once again to Bird Homestead Golf Course, located 11.8 miles out Funny River Road. The number to reach us is 260-4653.

As you are reading this article, the Funny River Festival is getting ready to begin with a shotgun start at 1:00 this afternoon. If you have not already signed up, you still have time to call and get ready to play. This is a fun tournament, kicking off the weekend of festivities for the Funny River Festival. Call or come out and enjoy great company and good food. Lots of fun prizes as well.

Tuesday night found 12 men standing on the starting line to see who would take the coveted pure birdie envelope home. It has carried over a few weeks now and is getting quite full. Well ... come out next week and see how lucky you can be. Yep, no one took it again this week. Come on guys, you need a gal to help out with this one?

Turned out there was a chip-off: Al Dettmer, Roy Bird and Rudy Zaberowski succumbed to Justin Bird, Trevor Hordeman and Spencer Tachick, who out-chipped the old guys for first place. Rudy took closest to on No. 6 and Spencer took closest to on No. 8. Long Drive went to Trevor. A lot of repeat names here. We need some new names for next week, come on out and make these guys look bad. Remember, 6:30 on Tuesday evenings.

Wednesday morning found eight seniors out to play. Four teams of two. We had a new face this week, Irene Wallin from Anchorage came out played along. She took home the longest putt award with Pat Bird and Amanda Bird taking home first-place honors.

Our next tournament is scheduled for Aug. 15. It is the second annual Orphanage Tournament. College Heights Baptist Church sponsors this one. Great prizes for closest to and long drive with cash prizes for first and second places. All proceeds go to the Betty Jonah Orphanage in Yekepa, Lyberia. CHBC wants to thank everyone in advance with donations and those who will play. The kids in this home truly are thankful for anything they receive. Registration is at 9 a.m.; with a shotgun start at 10. There will be great food during and after play, with prizes awarded during the barbecue. Come on out and sign up, or call the clubhouse at 260-4653, or CHBC at 262-3220.

The main reason behind "Trap Raking"

Located sporadically about most holes on a golf course are large ditches filled with sand, which are known as bunkers or sand traps.

Commonly referred to as the beach by those familiar with the game, a bunker is a remarkably difficult spot from which to hit a golf ball.

The most time-consuming activity associated with bunkers is trap raking, whereby a golfer smooths out all the footprints and divots he made in the sand while attempting to dislodge his ball.

One positive aspect of trap raking is that it often proves excellent therapy (just like cutting out little paper dolls) in tranquilizing the irate golfer who has just spent three or four strokes freeing his ball from the bunker.

Well another week has come and gone, but the play carries on. The course is in great shape, so don't forget the Thrifty Thursday, one pay, two play day. Keep in mind the lessons waiting for you on Thursday evenings with Bill Engberg. Come on out or call. We're waiting for you on the No. 1 tee box. Don't be late.